TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Sandra Chua

When my father was ill, we prayed earnestly for him. Some of my siblings, however, aside from praying to God, employed amulets and superstitions for his healing. They hung pictures and red fabrics around his bed. When my father recovered, I thanked the Lord for his grace, but I was distraught to discover that they had attributed his recovery to the superstitious items they had placed around his bed. I prayed to the Lord, “Lord, if You will not receive glory, I do not desire the healing.” 

Abram recovered all the loot that was taken from Sodom and Gomorrah by the four kings. That included Lot, his family, and all that he had. When Abram returned from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh. The king of Sodom probably said to Abram in gratitude, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” 

Abram politely refused with the reason that he had sworn to the Lord God that he would not take even a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is from the King of Sodom because he didn’t want to cause the king to claim that he was the one who made  Abram rich.

Abram wanted God to get credit for the riches he had received through the promise He had made. He knew God was the one who made him rich. He knew who would be giving him even more than what he had then. He knew the source of all his riches. He didn’t need the loot from the kingdom of Sodom. Glory belongs to the God from whom all blessings flow. 

REFLECTION

Where do my blessings and accomplishments come from? Who gets the credit for them? How do I attribute my blessings, achievements, and answered prayers to God? How do I react if people attribute these to luck?

PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father, both riches and honor come from You. All that we have accomplished, You have done for us. You deserve all glory and honor. We give thanks and praise Your glorious name. In Jesus’ name, amen.